§ 47. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information to the House as to the reported sentence of death passed on Private Lonsdale, British prisoner of war in Germany?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for War (Mr. Tennant)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. No information has reached us beyond what is contained in the newspapers. I would also refer the Noble Lord to the written answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for South West Ham.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWill the right hon. Gentleman get some information. This man's life is in jeopardy.
§ Mr. TENNANTIt is impossible to get information from the German Government. The man's life is dependent entirely on the fiat of the Emperor of Germany.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDCannot representations be made to the German Ambassador in Berlin?
§ Mr. TENNANTHe is fully cognisant of the fact. The German Ambassador in Berlin has been communicated with through the Ambassador in London.
Mr. DUNCANMay we expect that if methods like this continue to be pursued in Germany, we shall play the same game here?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is no part of the policy of the Government.